Each week, journalists turn to Unity Health Toronto’s experts and programs to help make sense of our world. In case you missed it, here’s a recap of the headlines for the week of August 28-September 3.

Vaccine hesitancy highest in Alberta, racialized groups at rollout’s start: survey

The Canadian Press on August 31, 2021

Feature of research led by Dr. Prabhat Jha

A survey led by Dr. Prabhat Jha found most Canadians planned to get vaccinated, but that intentions were lower among residents of Alberta, Manitoba & Saskatchewan, individuals without a university degree & racialized Canadians.

Featured in over 100 outlets

No parent should have to choose between a child’s health or work, that’s why we need paid sick days

Toronto Star on August 30, 2021

Opinion piece co-authored by Dr. Shazeen Suleman

Parents and caregivers must have access to paid sick days, write Dr. Shazeen Suleman and her co-author in the Toronto Star. In this opinion piece, they explain why this will protect future generations and build a healthier society.

The opioid crisis is killing Canadians. How can we solve it?

Global News on August 31, 2021

Interview with Dr. Dan Werb

In an interview with Global News, Dr. Dan Werb explains how the focus on COVID-19 has had deadly consequences for people who use drugs.

When it comes to the safest masks for kids heading back to school, experts say go for the one your child will wear

Toronto Star on September 3, 2021

Interview with Dr. Zoe von Aesch and Dr. Anna Banerji

Parents are navigating the overwhelming mask options on the market, as they try to find the safest one to best protect their non-vaccine-eligible kids. Dr. Zoe von Aesch and Dr. Anna Banerji speak with the Toronto Star about which masks are best for children.

Ontario’s updated school guidance

CTV News Channel on August 31, 2021

Interview with Dr. Tali Bogler

Ontario will no longer include runny noses, sore throats and headaches among the list of symptoms associated with COVID-19 for children returning to classrooms. Dr. Tali Bogler joins CTV News Channel to discuss the updated guidance.

How to prepare your kids for the return of school

CP24 Breakfast on August 30, 2021

Interview with Dr. Ripudaman Minhas

As parents gear up for the new school year, Dr. Ripudaman Minhas joins CP24 Breakfast to share how to best prepare kids for the return of in-person learning.

Reigning in Drug Prices, Before Pharmacare Slips Away

National Newswatch on September 2, 2021

Opinion piece by Dr. Danyaal Raza

Now is the time for a renewed pricing regime for prescription drugs, writes Dr. Danyaal Raza. In this opinion piece, he cautions that the cost of progress in pharmaceutical discoveries should not be borne by those who can least afford it.

How India’s Bad Death-Records Got in the Way of Its Pandemic Response

The Wire Science on September 2, 2021

Interview with Dr. Prabhat Jha

“Counting the dead helps the living,” says Dr. Prabhat Jha. In this interview with The Wire Science, he explains the benefits of having data on who dies, when and how.